23rd - 29th March 2026
For a long time I couldn’t understand why the angel Gabriel responded so differently to Zechariah than he did to Mary.
When Zechariah was told he would have a son, he said, “But I’m old.”
When Mary was told she would have a son, she said, “But I’m a virgin.”
On the surface, both responses seem a bit similar. Both point out the impossibility of the situation. So for years I wondered - why the different reaction?
But then something stood out to me in Luke 1:13. The angel says to Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard.”
That’s the key.
Zechariah and Elizabeth had been praying for a child for years - probably for decades. Yet when the moment finally came and the answer to that prayer was announced, Zechariah struggled to believe it. Somewhere along the way, the years had worn him down. He was still praying, but he had stopped expecting an answer. In fact, his response suggests he had even stopped believing that God could do it, not just that He would.
And yet here’s the amazing thing: God still did it.
Even when Zechariah’s faith had grown weary, God remained faithful. Even when Zechariah struggled to believe, God still answered the prayer.
So this week we’re going to focus on what it means when God answers prayer. It’s a reminder for those who are still believing and waiting - but also for those who are tired, discouraged, and beginning to wonder if anything will ever happen.
Because the story of Zechariah shows us something powerful: even when our belief falters, God’s faithfulness does not.
Written by Josh & Jody Garnham
MONDAY
God Always Answers
1 John 5:14–15 (ESV) “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”
God always hears - no prayer is ignored or lost.
The promise is anchored in His will, not our preferences.
True confidence is trusting both His answer and His wisdom.
Dear God, we thank You that You love us so much and care so deeply that You not only respond to our prayers but hear each and every one. Give us the confidence to trust in Your sovereign will for our lives and to live in the assurance that You are with us. Amen.
TUESDAY
God Keeps His Promises
Joshua 21:45 (ESV) “Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
God is faithful, trustworthy and good.
What He begins, He faithfully brings to completion.
Your hope rests on a God who always delivers.
Dear God, we thank You that through the Bible You weave in stories of Your character and teach us Your ways. Thank You for all that You have promised us and in difficult times may we cling to these beautiful truths of who You are and what You have done and will do. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
Yes (Elijah)
1 Kings 18:44–45 (ESV) “And at the seventh time he said, ‘Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’ And he said, ‘Go up, say to Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.”’ And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”
Elijah persisted even when nothing was visible.
God’s “yes” often follows patient, repeated prayer.
Small beginnings can signal overwhelming answers.
Dear Lord, thank You that Elijah is such a powerful example of persistence in prayer.
Even when it feels like we could give up hope, remind us that when You have spoken, it will come to pass.
Help us to keep trusting, even in the waiting. And thank You that even the smallest sign - like a tiny cloud on the horizon - can be a spark of hope. Give us that hope today, Lord. Amen.
THURSDAY
Daniel 10:12–13 (ESV) “Then he said to me, ‘Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.’”
God heard immediately, even though Daniel saw delay.
There are unseen realities beyond what we perceive.
Waiting seasons still carry active divine work.
Dear God, even when we cannot see guide us and hold us fast. Let us not grumble or lose focus or get caught up in the world. Times of waiting can be the most challenging but may we lean on You so that we can grow through our circumstances. Be with us we pray. Amen.
FRIDAY
2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (ESV) “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Paul asked earnestly, but God answered differently.
God’s “no” is not rejection - it’s redirection.
Grace can be a greater gift than relief.
Dear Lord, thank You that You hear every prayer. I pray that You would place peace in our hearts, even when the answer is no. Help us to trust that Your “no” is not rejection, but love - a redirection, a protection, and an encouragement. Remind us that You are working all things for the good of those who love You. Amen.
SATURDAY
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God invites you to bring everything, not just big things.
Prayer exchanges anxiety for supernatural peace.
His peace guards you even before circumstances change.
Dear God, we thank You that You see us and know us. In childlike faith, as we present our thoughts and prayers both big and small, You respond and guard our hearts. As we wait and listen and try to navigate through daily life, thank You for Your love and care. Amen.
SUNDAY
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Trust means releasing control over outcomes.
God’s perspective is clearer than ours.
He promises direction, not always explanation.
Dear Lord, You know all things - from the moment we take our first breath to the moment we take our last. I pray that You would guard our hearts as we look to the future. Help us to follow Your lead, and to recognise that Your voice brings direction, not always explanation.
Give us trust, Lord -
trust in You,
trust in Your plans,
trust in the hope You give,
and trust in the future You are preparing.
Amen.